The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has confirmed the recovery of a body belonging to a missing fisherman who tragically perished after his boat capsized at Tuckertown Reservoir. Authorities received alarming reports of an overturned vessel at the lake’s Cabin Creek area on Sunday morning, April 19.
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Initial investigations revealed that the boat was registered to 35-year-old Justin Michael Goodman. Concern grew when his wife reported that he had gone out fishing the previous evening but did not return. The last contact she had with him was around 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.


Emergency responders were promptly deployed to the scene, where they began searching for Goodman and his vessel. As they coordinated rescue efforts, it was reported that another fisherman in the vicinity discovered a body in the water. This was confirmed to be Goodman’s remains, located approximately 50 feet from his capsized boat, entangled in a rope associated with the vessel.
The local fire department, Pooletown Fire Department, extended condolences to Goodman’s family in a heartfelt social media post. “On behalf of the Pooletown Fire Department, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement expressed.
Following the recovery, Goodman’s body was transported to the Monroe South Piedmont Autopsy Center for further examination to determine the specific circumstances surrounding his death. The public has been encouraged to remember the family’s grief during this tragic period.
In a subsequent appeal for assistance, Goodman’s family has sought help in locating his dog, which accompanied him during that fateful fishing trip and has not been seen since. They urged members of the community to keep an eye out for the missing pet as they continue to cope with their loss.
As investigations into the incident progress, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is diligently working to uncover the factors that led to the boat’s capsizing. Authorities have not yet released details surrounding the boat’s condition or the possible causes of the accident.
The unfortunate event has raised discussions about boating safety, particularly during nighttime outings. Local authorities are reminding boaters to always respect safety regulations, including life jacket use and weather conditions, to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
The passing of Justin Goodman has left a deep impact on the community, which has expressed an outpouring of support for his loved ones. As they navigate these challenging times, the hope remains that the family can find solace and closure in the wake of this devastating tragedy.
